I know many ancient graveyards discovered had every body facing the same way.
And I know some cultures pretty much stuck to fetal position. I’m not sure if this was supposed to be significant. I know people who die of various causes, such as exposure to cold or food poisoning may simply die in a crouched position.
And there’s the practical aspect, that a tighter body shape makes for a smaller grave hole to dig.
But do people today, say by country or by religion, prefer to all face north or east, face up or on their sides, etc.?
And are there restrictions on being buried vertically, standing or sitting?
What about stacked burials? This is often done in mausoleums, of course, and catacombs, but would there be rules about a man and wife having coffins stacked underground?
By custom, when possible, Muslims are buried facing Mecca. Since it is impolite around here to show the soles of your feet, this means the body is laid on the (left?) shoulder facing the Holy CIty.
Christians are usually buried facing the rising sun, although the custom is not very strict. I have even heard on minsters buried facing west, so that upon Resurrection, they will facing their flock.